Concordia University 73, Midland Lutheran 69 (view stats)
Concordia University took home a 73-69 win over Midland Lutheran College on Wednesday evening in Seward. The Bulldogs improved their overall record to 14-6 for the season with a 7-4 mark in conference play. Midland slipped to 7-15 overall and 2-8 in the GPAC with the loss.
Stacy Scheer led the Bulldogs with a total of 17 points for the game. Concordia’s second leading scorer, Kristin Miller, added 16 points and nine boards. Treva Nutter poured in 11 points, and Kourtney Rahder scored nine off the bench for the Bulldogs.
Kelli Hermsmeyer had a double-double with a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds for Midland. Kerry Butzke scored 16 points, and Traci Flanagan added 10 for the Warriors.
Concordia maintained the lead for a good portion of the first half. The Bulldogs led by as many as 10 (32-22) on a three pointer by Treva Nutter with just under four minutes to play. A jumper by TaLisa Krejci gave Concordia a 35-28 lead heading into halftime.
The Warriors stayed within striking distance throughout the second half. Concordia threatened to pull away several times, but Midland continued to fight back. After several ties, Midland finally reclaimed the lead at 69-67 on a layup by Kelli Hermsmeyer with less than four minutes to play in regulation.
However, the Bulldogs scored the final six points of the game to secure the win. A three pointer by Angela Kuca gave Concordia a 70-69 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Treva Nutter then hit two free throws to bump the Bulldog lead to three at 72-69. Midland had a chance to tie the game in the final minute, but Megan Torkelson missed a long three point attempt. Stacy Scheer secured the rebound and made one of two at the foul line for the final score of 73-69.
“We didn’t give up,” said Kristin Miller. “We kept our composure and made some big plays. We just needed to get the job done.”
Concordia head coach Drew Olson discussed the importance of his team’s maturity. “This is a game we may have lost earlier in the season,” said Olson. “Our team showed a lot of maturity and character tonight, and people stepped up and made plays for us.”
On Saturday, the Bulldogs face No. 7 Briar Cliff University in a 2 p.m. contest on Fan Appreciation Day at the Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center. Briar Cliff defeated Concordia by the score of 97-67 earlier this season. The Chargers are currently 18-3 on the season and 7-2 in GPAC play. “Hopefully we learned from the mistakes we made in our first matchup,” commented Olson. “We’re a better team now. We’ll need to take care of the ball and be ready to play.”